Puppy Love! Doris Day Auction benefits animals
The auction of the late actress Doris Day’s personal belongings, including four Golden Globe awards and gifts from her son, Rock Hudson and singer Tony Bennett, raised millions for her favorite cause — helping animals.
If you ever doubted the lasting popularity of Doris Day you can stop. A recent auction of her personal items from her life generated nearly $3 million, far exceeding estimates.
Top-selling items in the Julien’s Auctions event included a classic 1930 Ford convertible that was seen in the opening of Day’s 1980s talk show “Doris Day’s Best Friends.” The car sold for $96,000. A Golden Globe award she received in 1962 went for $25,600. A red lacquer piano from her son sold for $44,800 while a planter decorated with brass elephants from close friend Rock Hudson sold for $15,625.
All proceeds from the sale of more than 1,100 items will benefit the Doris Day Animal Foundation the singer and actress founded in 1978. The Foundation is designed to help animals and the people who love them. It funds nonprofit causes needing assistance in their work, caring for and protecting animals. Julien’s had estimated the sale would bring in between $300,000 and $600,000.
For more on the life of Doris Day check out these others stories.
Paul Kennedy is Editorial Director of the Collectibles Group at AIM Media. He enjoys Mid-century design, photography, vintage movie posters and people with a good story to share. Kennedy has more than twenty-five years of experience in the antiques and collectibles field, including book publishing. Reach him at PKennedy@aimmedia.com.
